Flexible plastic container

ABSTRACT

A flexible polymeric container for storing and dispensing liquids includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall connected together to define a fluid chamber therebetween. The first sidewall and the second sidewall each have an inner surface facing the fluid chamber and an opposed outer surface. A fitment is attached to an outer surface of one of the first sidewall or the second sidewall. The fitment has an opening therethrough which has an axis substantially perpendicular to the outer surface. A plurality of objects on the inner surface of one of the first sidewall or the second sidewall defines a plurality of pathways having at least a first pathway and a second pathway intersecting one another.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. NonprovisionalPatent application Ser. No. 10/037,295, filed Dec. 21, 2001, whichclaims priority from United States Provisional Patent application SerialNo. 60/332,463 filed on Nov. 9, 2001, both of which are incorporatedherein by reference and made a part hereof.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a flexible plasticcontainer and more particularly to a flexible container for directing aflowable material contained therein to a fitment of the container anddispensing the flowable material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Collapsible plastic bags are often used to store liquid productssuch as chemicals, soft drink syrup, fruit juices and food condiments.The plastic bags are typically housed in a corrugated paperboard box toaid in the transporting, handling and dispensing of the product. Suchpackaging systems are commonly referred to as “bag-in-box” packagingsystems.

[0004] The plastic bags typically have sidewalls sealed along aperipheral seam to define a fluid containing chamber. A spout or afitment provides access to the fluid chamber for filling and dispensingthe product within the bag. Vacuum pump systems are sometimes connectedto the container to assist in draining fluid from the container. Bothgravity dispensing bags and vacuum pump systems suffer from the commondrawback that fluid may become trapped within the folds of the bagduring draining. Because of this, evacuation channels are often placedwithin the bag. Evacuation channels are typically elongate cylindricaltubes or flat strips with protruding ribs defining grooves. Typically,one end of the evacuation channel is disposed transverse to, or isconnected to the spout, and the other end of the evacuation channelextends into the fluid containing chamber of the bag. As the bag isemptied by the force of the vacuum pump, or by the force of gravity,portions of the bag collapse unevenly, the rest of the liquid in thecontainer. The evacuation channel, however, forms a conduit which cannotbe closed off by the folds created in the bag. In this manner the entirechamber of the flexible bag remains in communication with the spout atall times during the dispensing such that all product within the bag canbe removed.

[0005] Prior attempts to provide such bags are disclosed in U.S. Pat.Nos. 4,601,410; 5,647,511 and 5,749,493. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,601,410 and5,647,511 disclose a liquid container with an evacuation unit. In boththe '410 and '511 patents, the evacuation unit is shown attacheddirectly to the spout by a mounting ring. Several problems have beenencountered with these types of evacuation units. For example, duringthe filling process, which is typically done in a high speed and highpressure process, the evacuation unit is susceptible of being dislodgedfrom the spout thereby rendering the evacuation unit inoperative. Also,the attaching ring can impede the flow of liquid during the fillingprocess thereby slowing the filling process.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,749,493 discloses an evacuation unit positionedwithin a bag and transverse and perpendicular to a spout in the bag.Because the evacuation unit is positioned in a location that is in linewith the incoming fluid during the filling process, it is susceptible ofbeing dislodged from its mounting to the container thereby rendering itineffective. The '493 Patent also discloses extruding a pair of ribs ora single rib or protuberance extending the length of the container.

[0007] Many of the designs which utilize an evacuation unit positionedwithin the bag require that the unit be placed into the bag after thebag has been substantially constructed. This is highly undesirablebecause it adds another step to the manufacturing process and increasesthe labor costs.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. Re. 34,929 discloses a plastic bag havinginterconnected air channels on its inner surface for the vacuumpackaging of perishable items. The air channels are formed by the spacesbetween a plurality of raised protuberances having uniform thickness andformed in a generally regular and waffle-like pattern. The protuberancesprevent the total collapse of the bag during air evacuation. There is nodisclosure to utilize a fitment to provide access to the contents of thecontainer. There is also no disclosure of removing the stored contentsof the bag, but, rather only removing air from the package to preventspoilage of the perishable item contained therein.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 2,778,171 discloses the production of airtightpackages for packaging perishable items such as food. Projections areprovided near an opening of the airtight package for keeping sidewallsof the container from fully collapsing against one another while air isbeing evacuated from the container. There is no disclosure of evacuatinga stored product from the container and no disclosure of providing afitment with the bag to provide access to the stored contents.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,728,086 discloses a flexible container havingmultiple access ports and particularly discloses a container for storingfluids for parenteral administration to a patient. An inner surface of asidewall of the container can have various patterns embossed thereon toassist in draining the contents of the container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention provides a flexible polymeric container forstoring and dispensing liquids. The container has a first sidewall and asecond sidewall connected together to define a fluid chambertherebetween. The first sidewall and the second sidewall each have aninner surface facing the fluid chamber and an opposed outer surface. Afitment is attached to an outer surface of one of the first sidewall orthe second sidewall, the fitment having an opening therethrough havingan axis substantially perpendicular to the outer surface. A plurality ofobjects are positioned on the inner surface of one of the first sidewallor the second sidewall to define a plurality of pathways having at leasta first pathway and a second pathway intersecting one another.

[0012] The present invention further provides a flexible polymericcontainer for storing and dispensing liquids. The container has a firstsidewall and a second sidewall connected together to define a fluidchamber therebetween, the first sidewall and the second sidewall eachhaving an inner surface facing the fluid chamber and an opposed outersurface and an access member for accessing the fluid chamber. Aplurality of a first set of objects having a first shape is positionedon the inner surface of one of the first sidewall or the secondsidewall. A plurality of a second set of objects having a second shapedifferent from the first shape is positioned on the inner surface of oneof the first sidewall or the second sidewall.

[0013] The present invention further provides a method for evacuating afluid from a container. The method includes the steps of: (1) providinga liquid filled container having a sidewall having an inner surface andan outer surface, (2) providing a plurality of objects on the innersurface of the sidewall to define a plurality of pathways having atleast a first channel and a second channel intersecting one another; (3)providing a fitment attached to the outer surface, the fitment having anopening therethrough having an axis substantially perpendicular to theouter surface; and (4) applying a suction to the fitment to draw fluidfrom the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container having a fitment;

[0015]FIG. 2 is a side view of the container of FIG. 1;

[0016]FIG. 3 is a sidewall of the container of FIG. 1 having objectshaving varying shapes;

[0017]FIG. 4 is a sidewall of the container of FIG. 1 having a pluralityof regularly spaced rectangular protuberances to define a checkerboardpattern; and

[0018]FIG. 5 is a sidewall having circular protuberances togetherforming a circular pattern with a series of X-shaped protuberancesforming S-shaped lines.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in manydifferent forms, herein will be described in detail with theaccompanying figures, a preferred embodiment of the invention. Thepresent disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of theprinciples of the invention and is not intended to limit the broadaspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated and described.

[0020]FIGS. 1 and 2 show a flexible container assembly 10 having a firstsidewall 12 and a second sidewall 13 attached at peripheral edges 14 todefine a fluid tight chamber 16. A spout 18 is attached to an outersurface of the sidewall 12 and provides fluid flow access to the chamber16. In a preferred form of the invention, the first and second sidewalls12 and 13 are a flexible polymeric material having a modulus ofelasticity of less than 50,000 psi. The sidewalls preferably are madefrom materials such as homopolymers and copolymers of polyolefins,polyamides, polyesters or other material that are capable of beingsealed using industry standard sealing techniques. These techniquesinclude, but are not limited to, heat sealing, radio frequency welding,and ultrasonic sealing. The sidewalls may be multilayered or singlelayered and may be fabricated from any suitable polymer processingtechnology including extrusion, coextrusion, extrusion lamination,lamination or other. The container can be made from individual sheetsplaced in registration and sealed along the periphery 14 or can be madefrom a blown film process where only opposing ends of a tube need besealed to complete the container 10.

[0021]FIG. 3 shows a plurality of objects 20 on the sidewall 12. Theobjects 20 can be positioned on a single sidewall or both. The objects,in a preferred form of the invention, are provided over an entiresurface of the sidewall but could be provided only in select areas ofthe surface. Providing objects over the entire sidewall surfaceeliminates the need for registration of the sidewalls. Moreover,providing objects over the entire surface ensures that fluid isevacuated from all parts of the container, including corner regions. Theobjects can be of any shape including regular shapes such as circular,polygonal, straight or curved lines, symbols or the like. The objectscan also be irregular shaped. These objects 20 assist in draining fluidfrom the chamber 16. The objects 20 can be raised protuberances orindentations in these shapes. The objects can be all of the same shapesor be of a combination of shapes. The objects can be of varying sizesprovided the objects are effective to provide fluid pathways through thecontainer when the fluid or particulate contents of container is beingevacuated.

[0022] The objects 20 on the sidewall 12 provides an advantage overprior art containers having an evacuation unit positioned within andattached to an inside surface of the container. The evacuation unit istypically made from a polymer material, and is heat sealed or welded tothe inside of the container. The weld area, in such containers, contactsthe contents of the container. The weld area may have an undesiredorganoleptic effect on the container contents. Providing objectsdirectly on the sidewall as disclosed herein eliminates any organolepticresidue arising from heat sealing the evacuation unit in the container.Moreover, the evacuation unit is typically a rigid member. The presentinvention eliminates the rigid member resulting in a bag having athinner profile, thereby reducing shipping and storage volume. Also, therigid member type evacuation unit is not entirely effective inevacuating fluid from corners of the container. The present inventionremoves fluid that would otherwise remain in the corners.

[0023] The objects 20 can form a regular pattern or an irregularpattern. The regular pattern includes objects being placed at the sameor essentially the same spacing or a repeating sequence of spacings. Theirregular pattern is one where the objects are generally randomlydistributed.

[0024] In a preferred form of the invention as shown in FIG. 4, aregularly spaced pattern of rectangular-shaped objects 30 havingpathways 32 defined therebetween. This checkerboard pattern has at leasta first pathway 33 intersecting a second pathway 34. In a preferred formof the invention the pathways intersect at substantially perpendicularto one another. However, it is contemplated the intersection of pathways32 can form various angles without departing from the present invention.

[0025]FIG. 5 shows another preferred form of the invention having aseries of circular protuberances 40 together with X-shaped protuberances44. The circular protuberances 40 define a circular shape 42. TheX-shaped protuberances 44 define a S-shaped pattern 46. Of course it iscontemplated that any combination of shapes of protuberances can be usedand that more than two different shapes can be used. The presentinvention further contemplates that the individual protuberances canform varying indicia such as a trademark, tradename, logo, instructionsfor use or other identifying or useful information or advertising thatcan be viewed through the sidewall 12 or 14 or both.

[0026] The objects can be formed on the inner surface of sidewall 12 orsidewall 14 or both by techniques well known in the art includingembossing during the fabrication of the sidewall, or embossingafterwards. The pattern can also be applied by an extrusion coatingprocess or similar process. The objects can be pressed into thesidewalls with a shaped die. Numerous other mechanisms and processescome to mind for forming the objects which are well known in the art andthe present invention should not be limited to these processes recited.The pathways 32 and 33 of the pattern are preferably of a depth ofgreater than or equal to 1 mi, or less than 8 mils, and even morepreferably less than 5 mils. Most preferably, the pathways 32 and 33will have a depth of from about 1 mil to about 4 mils for fluids havingthe viscosity of a soft drink syrup. For fluids having a greaterviscosity a greater depth will be necessary to provide adequate flow ofthe fluid through the pathways to evacuate the fluid from the containerassembly.

[0027] The fitment 18 has an opening 50 having an axis essentiallyperpendicular to a panel surface of sidewall 12 of the container. It iscontemplated the fitment 18 can be mounted at various angles to thesidewall without departing from the present invention. The fitment 18provides fluid access to the contents of the chamber 16. Typically,container 10 is used for housing liquids such as soft drink syrup whichare withdrawn from the container with a hose and mixed at a fountainwith a diluent such as soda water. The hose (not shown) has anattachment for connecting to the fitment in a fluid and airtightarrangement. A vacuum is applied to the fitment 18 through the hose towithdraw fluid from the container. The vacuum creates a pressuredifference to initiate a fluid flow. Of course, the fitment 18 may beattached to the first or second sidewall 12, 13 or both and may belocated at any location thereon.

[0028] The present invention further provides a process for evacuatingthe container shown in FIG. 1. The method for evacuating a fluid from acontainer comprises the steps of: (1) providing a liquid filledcontainer having a sidewall having an inner surface; (2) providing aplurality of objects on the inner surface of the sidewall to define aplurality of channels having at least a first channel and a secondchannel intersecting one another; (3) providing a fitment attached to anouter surface of the sidewall, the fitment having an openingtherethrough having an axis substantially perpendicular to the outersurface; and (4) applying a suction to the fitment to draw fluid fromthe container.

[0029] While the specific embodiments have been described, numerousmodifications come to mind without significantly departing from thespirit of the invention and the scope of protection is only limited bythe scope of the accompanying claims. This design is just one example ofa pattern design having these favorable characteristics, and disclosureof it is merely one example of a design having its favorablecharacteristics, others of which are not significant departures from thespirit of the invention.

We claim:
 1. A flexible polymeric container for storing and dispensingliquids comprising: a first sidewall and a second sidewall connectedtogether to define a fluid chamber therebetween, the first sidewall andthe second sidewall each having an inner surface facing the fluidchamber and an opposed outer surface; a fitment attached to an outersurface of one of the first sidewall or the second sidewall, the fitmenthaving an opening therethrough having an axis substantiallyperpendicular to the outer surface; and a plurality of objects on theinner surface of one of the first sidewall or the second sidewall todefine a pattern of a plurality of pathways having at least a firstpathway and a second pathway intersecting one another.
 2. The containerof claim 1 wherein the pattern is generally a checkerboard pattern. 3.The container of claim 1 wherein the pattern is defined by a series ofspaced protuberances.
 4. The container of claim 3 wherein theprotuberances have a generally circular shape.
 5. The container of claim3 wherein the protuberances have a polygonal shape.
 6. The container ofclaim 3 wherein the protuberances have an irregular shape.
 7. Thecontainer of claim 3 wherein the protuberances have a first set ofprotuberances with a first shape and a second set of protuberances witha second shape different from the first shape.
 8. The container of claim3 wherein the protuberances are generally S-shaped.
 9. The container ofclaim 8 wherein the S-shaped protuberances extend from a first end ofthe container to a second end of the container.
 10. The container ofclaim 1 wherein the pattern extends over an entire surface of the firstsidewall or the second sidewall.
 11. The container of claim 1 whereinthe plurality of pathways are of a depth of greater than 1 mil.
 12. Thecontainer of claim 1 wherein the plurality of pathways are of a depth ofless than 5 mils.
 13. The container of claim 1 wherein the plurality ofpathways are of a depth of a range of 1 mil to 4 mils.
 14. The containerof claim 1 wherein the container does not impart organoleptic propertiesto the stored liquids.
 15. A flexible polymeric container for storingand dispensing liquids comprising: a first sidewall and a secondsidewall connected together to define a fluid chamber therebetween, thefirst sidewall and the second sidewall each having an inner surfacefacing the fluid chamber and an opposed outer surface; an access memberfor accessing the fluid chamber; and a plurality of a first set ofobjects having a first shape on the inner surface of one of the firstsidewall or the second sidewall; and a plurality of a second set ofobjects having a second shape different from the first shape andpositioned on the inner surface of one of the first sidewall or thesecond sidewall.
 16. The container of claim 15 wherein the first set ofobjects and the second set of objects are on the same sidewall.
 17. Thecontainer of claim 15 wherein the first set of objects is a plurality ofspaced protuberances.
 18. The container of claim 15 wherein the accessmember is a fitment attached to an outer surface of the first sidewallor the second sidewall.
 19. The container of claim 15 wherein thefitment has an opening with an axis substantially perpendicular to thesidewall.
 20. The container of claim 15 wherein the first set of objectsand second set of objects extend over the entire inner surface of thefirst sidewall or second sidewall.
 21. The container of claim 15 whereinthe container does not impart organoleptic properties to the liquids.22. A method for evacuating a fluid from a container comprising thesteps of: providing a liquid filled container having a sidewall havingan inner surface; providing a plurality of objects on the inner surfaceof the sidewall to define a plurality of channels having at least afirst channel and a second channel intersecting one another; providing afitment attached to an outer surface of the sidewall, the fitment havingan opening therethrough having an axis substantially perpendicular tothe outer surface; and applying a suction to the fitment to draw fluidfrom the container.
 23. The method of claim 22 wherein in the step ofapplying suction to draw fluid from the container, the fluid issubstantially completely drawn from the container.